The SIFI medical-dental missions are health initiatives that allow the sugar beneficiaries to avail much needed health services and medicines which they could hardly afford. Last April 2018, three missions were conducted in the areas of Dingle, Passi, Iloilo; San Miguel, Tarlac City; and Purisima, Manapla, Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental
A total of 419 beneficiaries was accommodated at Brgy. Purisima, Manapla last April 8, 2018. SIFI joined with Victorias Milling Company and the Barangay Council, midwives and BHWs of Purisima to render free medical consultations, dental extractions, free medicines and feeding for malnourished children and elderly.
The VMC staff was led by Ma. Cecilia Alaban and Neoly Alminaza headed the SIFI staff. Volunteer mission doctors were Drs. Nadara Gendrala and Milagros Amarra.
The team of dentists were Drs. Arnel Calakasan, Elisa Calakasan, Marissa Fernandez, Janice Ianne Bancaya, Maribel Ong, Michael Stephen Galor, Generose Alunan, Sonia Avelino, and Dr. Lourdes Paras.
Tarlac
The SIFI mission was held on April 11, 2018 in partnership with the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT), Central Luzon Doctors Hospital, AFP Central Luzon Command and the LGU of Barangay Balete, San Miguel, Tarlac.
A total of 491 beneficiaries and sugar dependents were served through medical consults, availment of free medicines and vitamins and tooth extractions.
Overseeing the mission was SIFI Project Officer Ulysses Dizon and staff.
Iloilo Province
The mission was held in Barangay Nazuni, Dingle, Passi last April 22, 2018. The team of SIFI was led by Norelyn de la Cruz, Margarita Basio and Bessie Mapa. URC SURE PASSI was headed by Joy Teo, HR manager. Other cooperators were Lions Club of Passi, 61st and 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the LGU of Nazuni led by Brgy. Chairman Wilbert Macahilo.
More than 400 sugar farm workers and dependents benefitted from the health services provided. Circumcision and free haircut were given by the military.
The doctors who joined the mission were Drs. Hope Lapating, Quindialem Villanueva, Mary Ann Paranpan, Kate Angeli Suaverde and Eric Marabiles, and the dentists were Drs. Josie Mar Palmerola, Cherryl Peres, Lainie Andres, Eddie Sucaldito, Jane Samonte and Ninfa Paclibar.
